Stress Screening: Take a confidential screening to help you decide what the next step should be.

Tips for Handling Stress:

By Ed Smith, Ph.D.

Be sure to get adequate sleep. A big problem for college students is that they burn
the candle at both ends due to academic and social demands.
Be sure not to use alcohol and drugs as a way to relax. There are much healthier ways
to relax. These include:

Exercise

Taking a walk or a run in a safe place

Watching T.V. or a movie for a limited amount of time, (be careful not to become a
couch potato and watch T.V. all the time.)

Use relaxation tapes or soothing music to calm you down before sleep

Breathe deeply; a sigh can sometimes be the perfect stress relief in the middle of
the day.
Be sure to follow good nutrition habits.Be sure to talk with others about the stress you are feeling. Make sure the people
you talk to will listen to how you feel.
Be sure to balance your time. You can’t work all the time, and you can’t play all
the time. Remember to take time to care for yourself, without taking so much time
that you do not meet your academic demands.
Be aware of your mood and your attitude. Being snappy and irritable can damage relationships
that may be important to you. If you are stressed or upset, remember not to take it
out on others such as roommates, girlfriends or boyfriends.
If you feel your stress is becoming more than you can handle, be sure to contact the
Counseling Center by phone or by using our walk-in services.
Also, remember H.A.L.T. which stands for: Never get too… HUNGRY, ANGRY, LONELY or TIRED.